The Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) has officially got under way in Cali, Colombia, the first ‘Biodiversity COP’ to take place since December 2022.
At that Montreal, Canada event (COP 15), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was formally adopted.
‘Sends a message to the world’
“This is going to be a great opportunity for one of the most biodiverse nations in the world,” Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment, Colombia, commented at the opening of COP 16. “This event sends a message from Latin America to the world about the importance of climate action and the protection of life. It highlights the commitment of Colombia, of President Gustavo Petro and the entire country, to preserve our planet.”
The theme of this year’s UN Biodiversity Conference is ‘Paz con la Naturaleza’, or ‘Peace With Nature’. It runs from 21 October to 14 November.
Reviewing progress
At COP 16, governments will review their progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and align their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with the Framework.
Key objectives include developing a monitoring framework, advancing resource mobilisation, and finalising mechanisms for the equitable sharing of benefits from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources. The conference will also feature high-level discussions through its ministerial segment, focusing on accelerating action to protect biodiversity globally.
“Let me also express my enthusiasm to work with the government of Colombia, and in particular H. E. Susana Muhamad, our incoming president, to ensure that the outcomes of COP 16 accelerate action at all levels to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity,” added Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention of Biological Diversity. The provisional agenda for COP 16 can be found here.
The ceremonial opening of #COP16Colombia, under the theme #PeaceWithNature, took place in Cali, setting a hopeful tone for the next two weeks.
— UN Biodiversity (@UNBiodiversity) October 21, 2024
Missed the opening? Watch the full event here: https://t.co/CGPKVQEKgs
Join the conversation and stay updated: https://t.co/YiYREZIXpY pic.twitter.com/B8VHuNj2dT
